Latest news with #ChefIzuAni
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Chef Izu's KIGO to launch at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC in September
Fundamental Hospitality will open KIGO at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre this September, introducing a counter-style omakase and kaiseki dining concept led by Chef Izu Ani, Head Chef Akinori 'Aki' Tanigawa, and Sushi Head Chef Daihachiro Ebata. The name KIGO originates from Japanese haiku poetry, referring to words that capture the essence of each season. Guests will enter via a terrace stone path and minimalist dry garden leading to a 44-seat dining room. At its centre is a sushi counter crafted from rare Aji stone sourced from a single mountain in Japan's Kagawa prefecture. Facing it is a custom Rimpa-style artwork by Eiki Kimura. A private room offers bespoke kaiseki or sushi omakase experiences. KIGO's menu will focus on peak-season ingredients chosen for cultural significance and prepared to reflect the emotion of the season. At the stone counter, chefs will create personalised omakase menus in real time, while the set kaiseki menu will present a formal multi-course dining experience. Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman of Fundamental Hospitality, said: 'As the newest addition to Fundamental Hospitality's portfolio, KIGO allows guests to experience Japanese culinary traditions like never before. The concept speaks to the senses as much as the soul, weaving craftsmanship, emotion, and seasonality in a way that mirrors our focus on creating immersive dining experiences that spotlight the region's culinary innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate with Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre and work alongside Chef Izu Ani, Head Chef Akinori Tanigawa, and Sushi Head Chef Daihachiro Ebata to deliver what promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.' Chef Izu Ani, Chief Research Officer of Fundamental Hospitality, said: 'Japanese culture has long inspired me through its purity and precision. There is a quiet strength in its discipline and a beauty in its restraint that continuously challenges me to evolve as a chef. KIGO is a reflection of this spirit — a concept shaped by intention, seasonality, and deep respect for tradition. To bring this vision to life in collaboration with Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre and our exceptional culinary team is both meaningful and deeply fulfilling.' Leonardo Baiocchi, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels Dubai, said: 'At Four Seasons, we are always in pursuit of culinary excellence that resonates with both global sophistication and local character. The introduction of KIGO at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and meaningful partnerships. In joining forces with Fundamental Hospitality, Chef Izu, and a team of remarkable Japanese culinary artisans, we are proud to unveil a dining experience that is as refined as it is emotive, one that will no doubt become a new chapter in Dubai's fine dining narrative.' KIGO will open at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre as the latest concept by Fundamental Hospitality, offering a seasonally driven Japanese dining experience rooted in tradition and design.
Arabian Business
18-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
In pictures: Dubai's Shanghai Me announces new London venue at historic Hilton rooftop
Fundamental Hospitality, the Dubai-born luxury hospitality group, will open Shanghai Me this July on the 28 th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, adding a third London venue to its expanding international portfolio. The opening marks the latest step in the group's strategy of exporting UAE-developed concepts to global cities, with Shanghai Me joining Gaia London and La Maison Ani London in the company's UK operations. 'Bringing Shanghai Me to London is a huge moment for us and I am excited to be reviving a Mayfair icon,' said Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman and Founder of Fundamental Hospitality. 'The 28 th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane has long been one of the city's most celebrated landmarks and we are now looking to apply our signature approach to evolve the venue into a vibrant dining and entertainment destination.' The venue, which previously housed Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, has a storied 60-year history, including hosting The Beatles in the 1960s when it was the first Traders Vic's. The London Hilton on Park Lane was the city's first skyscraper hotel and tallest building when constructed in 1963. Shanghai Me, inspired by 1930s Shanghai, will offer Pan-Asian cuisine under the direction of Chef Izu Ani, the creative mind behind GAIA and La Maison Ani, alongside Chef Yukitaka Kitade, the concept's global culinary ambassador. The menu will feature dishes including Yellowtail Carpaccio with Black Truffle and Cantonese Roast Duck with Foie Gras & Caviar. The 120-seat restaurant will include two private dining rooms with panoramic views from Hyde Park to the Thames. The venue will also house Bund, an intimate bar and lounge featuring DJs until the early hours. Established in 2011, Fundamental Hospitality has built a portfolio that includes 13 concepts including GAIA, Alaya, La Maison Ani, and franchise operations such as Cipriani Dubai and Cipriani Dolci UAE. The group currently operates venues across the Middle East and Europe, with ongoing expansion plans for the GCC, UK and USA markets. Shanghai Me represents the continued international growth of the UAE hospitality sector, as Dubai-based groups leverage their experience in the competitive Gulf luxury market to establish global brand presence.
